R 'n' R: Rants & Raves 1521

Saturday, August 05, 2006

'Finders, keepers' not for this man of honor

Honest cabbie saves the day for Pinay from Lebanon
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 03:22am (Mla time) 08/05/2006

Published on page A5 of the August 5, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHE may have lost her job in Lebanon but a taxicab driver in Manila saved Mary Ann Balade, 24, from a double disaster.

Within an hour after she inadvertently left her wallet containing P21,000 in a cab, its driver showed up to hand the money back to her.

“It was kind of him to return it. I’m thankful for what he did,” said Balade as he thanked Edwin Quines at a press conference at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office.


Full story at the Phil. Daily Inquirer


Sunday, July 30, 2006

Warping a whole generation's value system


Now that I think about it, this is the first time I'm reading a newspaper article regarding the issue of the sex education modules of the Philippine Dept. of Education that doesn't have a pro-reproductive health stance. To be sure, Pro-Life Philippines is not against sex education; in fact, educating young people on human sexuality is a must. But it's an education in life and love, transmitted with sound values and taking into careful consideration each young person's character, age and level of maturity. As I mentioned in another post in my other blog, the kind of sex education that the government is promoting and is out to implement in all public and private elementary and high schools is not anchored on such a foundation at all.

What great news it is that The Varsitarian, the offical student publication of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), has decided to devote much attention to this matter! Here's an article from the July 15 issue (by the way, the same issue contains an extensive coverage of pro- and anti-life legislation, even presenting in tabular form the different relevant bills in both the Upper and Lower House) --


'Sex modules can't be put to bed'

The release of sex education modules by the Department of Education (DepEd) has drawn a number of critics, including a UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery professor who blew the whistle on the modules' "disturbing" contents.

Cardiologist and Bioethics professor Dr. Angelita Aguirre said that the modules, Lesson Guides on Adolescent Reproductive Health: A Population Education Concept, condone sex activity among the youth.

"Instead of promoting abstinence from sex, the modules encourage oral and anal sex and the use of artificial birth control methods, including condoms that are hardly 100 per cent effective," Aguirre told the Varsitarian.

Aguirre, also the chairman of Makati Medical Center's Committee on Bioethics, noted pages 54 to 57 of the modules that say "sexual experimentation is normal among the youth, thereby requiring experiences and skills in self-protection prior to sex."

Further, the modules suggest young teens to "exercise non-penetrative sexual practices like oral and anal sex, to have sex with only one partner, to avoid penetrative sex without protection, and to use the condom correctly."

The modules were prepared by foreign-contraceptive grant chasers like the TRIDEV Specialists Foundation, Inc., United Nations Population Fund, and David and Lucille Packard Foundation.

Sex tips for kids?
A volunteer of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, Aguirre wrote a letter to Acting DepEd Secretary Fe Hidalgo regarding the contents of the modules.

Aguirre said that the modules' language was inappropriate for high school students due to the explicit words used.

"The language used was not only explicit, it tells about sexual techniques," she said, pointing to the modules' integration with basic education subjects like Health, Social Studies, Technology and Livelihood Education, Science, English and Filipino.

Two other early versions of the modules have equally disturbing instructions. A sex education module under then DepEd Secretary Bro. Andrew Gonzales included lessons on how to properly wear condoms by using bananas, cucumbers or eggplants and other models of the male genital for demonstration.

Due to the controversies, DepEd has stopped the distribution and implementation of the modules in Manila public schools since June 19.

In an earlier statement, Hidalgo denied Aguirre's claims that the modules promote "value-free" sex, saying that the modules were intended to make students realize the consequences of engaging in premarital sex, thereby discouraging sexual activity outside marriage.

Hidalgo said she will meet with Aguirre and the CBCP. Aguirre believes that sex education initiatives must always consult family groups and the parents, who she said are the reproductive "guardians" of their children. - Nathaniel R. Melican


(The Varsitarian office is at Rm. 112, Main Bldg., University of Sto. Tomas, España, Manila


Friday, November 04, 2005

The boy was in jeopardy -- and it was great!


Homeschooled Fil-Am wins $10,000 in 'Jeopardy!'

First posted 04:13am (Mla time) Nov 04, 2005
By Ruben V. Nepales

Inquirer News Service


Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Nov. 4, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOS ANGELES, California -- Joseph Henares, a homeschooled Filipino-American boy, recently won a "Back to School" edition of "Jeopardy!" -- America's popular TV quiz show.

The 12-year-old Henares received a cash prize of $10,000 in the competition that involved 15 contestants selected from more than 500 kids all over America.

Joseph emerged the winner after five daily episodes were taped at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.

Interviewed by phone and e-mail, Joseph credited his "Jeopardy!" triumph to his "mom, who helped me review different topics that we thought would be on the show, and my dad, who helped me with strategy and taught me how to bid in the Final Jeopardy!"

He is the eldest son of John and Jean Henares, both holders of math degrees from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Read all about it at the PDI website


Monday, October 24, 2005

Snuffing out smut

Civic groups, celebs, MTRCB launch anti-porn youth arm

(Oct. 24, 2005 Press Release) THE COALITION for Decency and Morality (CODE M), a media-watch anti-smut network, together with celebrities and other civic groups, launched its youth group on Oct. 15 at the Siena Hall of Siena College, Quezon City.

Around 300 young participants attended the first anniversary celebration event of CODE M. The Coalition spearheaded the call for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to suspend the TV “live show” Pinoy Big Brother, after airing objectionable scenes in its early episodes.

“Children now are exposed to violence and sex even in prime time TV shows. These are shows that shouldn’t be aired at all in TV since they can be very accessible to kids, and the parents may not always be around to guide them,” said actress-athlete Mikaela “Mikee” Cojuangco-Jaworski, spokesperson of the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television. Mikee lamented the demise of family-oriented and educational programs that used to dominate mainstream media. Her Foundation is known for awarding the “Anak TV seal” to quality child-friendly TV programs.

You can read the full story here

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

taxi drivers' take on image-building

"Huwag naman kayong magpaypay. Pinagtatawanan kami niyan eh (Don't fan yourself. We're laughed at because of that)."

That's what the taxi driver said when I pulled out my abaca fan and started getting some wind on my face despite the inefficient airconditioning system in his vehicle.

Puzzled and somewhat taken aback, I asked, "Ha? Nino? (Huh? By whom?)"

"Mga ibang drayber. Nag-aaway kami dahil diyan eh (Other drivers. We fight because of that)," was the reply, given with hesitant but obvious irritation.

For some background information, here's what happened prior to that exchange:

I flagged down the taxi near our place and got in. About three minutes later, I noticed that both airconditioner vents near the tape deck were directed at him, explaining the temperature in the back seat.

"Manong, paki-adjust ho ng vent. Kahit yung isa lang (Please adjust the vent, even just one of them)."

His hand went over the vents and fiddled with them a little. No change in the air's direction, though. I guess he'd rather not share the air...or maybe he's just not aware of details pertaining to vent direction, I told myself quietly.

I move toward the middle of the seat so as to hopefully get a share of the cool air. No luck. This is silly, I think. So, I pull my bag open and slip out my good ol' trusty fan. Be the change you want to see in the world, I reminded myself about the proverb. Okay, I'll change the temperature in my world right here in the backseat, on my own.

Then the "no fans allowed" proclamation was made. So much for doing my part to make the world a better place.

"Kung i-a-adjust ho niyo yung vent eh hindi na ho mainit dito at hindi na ako kailangang magpaypay," I retorted with a smile that, in my heart, was anything but sweet.

He made some adjustments again while I continued my fan-wielding, albeit keeping my fan below window level. Part of me sympathized with anyone who had to endure ridicule from others, but I was not about to condone some prohibition motivated by a vain concern for image. The aircon in your taxi sucks, and I'm not going to suffer for it if I can help it, was my silent protest accompanied by eye-rolling.

When he uttered the "pinagtatawanan kami dahil diyan" line with noticeably ill sentiments, I wanted to shove him to the nearest pile of Inquirer issues that came out the past week (if there was only one nearby) and point out that "hello! nag-ra-rally na ang mga tao araw-araw, kayo image-image pa ang iniisip niyo..." Instead, I said reassuringly, "Huwag niyo nang pansinin 'yon."

It was such a silly concern...so silly that I couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Mainit ba talaga?" he queried a few moments later.

"Oo."

He then switched the aircon setting to "high" -- apparently from "medium." It made little difference, though, for my stop was coming up. I got off the fan-unfriendly taxi with relief, and not without learning something new so early in the day -- cab drivers feel a prick to their ego when mocked by fellow drivers about seemingly dissatisfied -- temperature-wise -- passengers.
Interesting... another insight into Pinoy professional driver psychology.

Till now, I still don't know how I could've dealt with the situation more effectively...

Saturday, October 15, 2005

art iskool


'Kuya Robert' of the TV show Art Is-Kool shows the ropes to kids during a drawing workshop last month. His workshops are conducted at Books for Less (this one was at the branch in Alabang Town Center).

I just recently found out that the artwork on the walls of the old Greenbelt dining area are his. Likewise for that amusement center in one of the malls (can't recall right now). It's somewhere in his portfolio...

nice letter from an e-newsletter

Papemelroti regularly sends an e-newsletter to a mailing list, and I just got my 2005 Thanksgiving issue. Thanksgiving as a day on the calendar is not really part of Philippine tradition (but I think gratitude is an innate part of our national character). Christina, the newsletter editor, wrote some pretty simple, insightful words in the letter that introduces this issue:

Dear Friend,
One of my current favorite quotes is "There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." (words by Celia Thaxter). So even if the sky (or political climate) is filled with darkness and gloom, amidst rolling thunder, we are able to hold sunshine close when we are thankful.

Since we don't usually celebrate Thanksgiving day in the Philippines, let's make it a point to have an attitude of grattitude every single day! .....Here's to the many smiles you make, even at times when the heart seems to ache, and each smile you give away, when received, dear, will reverberate, rippling to those far and near. And one day when you need it most, downcast and glum in all you do, that smile you gave to others, will eventually come back to you!

Christina
Newsletter Editor


Anyone is welcome to subscribe to the free newsletter, by the way. Just go to the website and sign up via the tabs you can find on the right sidebar (you can also email info@papemelroti.com to request for inclusion in the mailing list).

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

the red & white suit and the swaddling clothes

It's too early for Christmas carols!!

That's all that I really want to say.


P.S. Last weekend I was at the mall and what should be playing over speakers but "Deck the Halls" and the like? There's something disconcerting about looking at merchandise in the bookstore while Christmas songs are in the background. And they're not serene tunes like "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night" -- songs that, besides flowing with tranquility, tell of the reason for the season, which I find quite comforting. It's only a matter of time before "you'd better watch out, you'd better not cry...!" belted out by the Jackson 5 is piped in at stores all over, wrapping the mall with that hectic atmosphere that seems to echo "buy! buy! buy!" and sending mall-roamers into a hard-to-control shopping mood.

It's really too early for Christmas carols. Just about the only thing I love about the premature Christmas mood is the sight of those beautiful and wonderfully embellished trees on Shangri-la mall's 4th level, under the escalator. O Tannenbaum...

Sunday, October 09, 2005

taxis go 'tropical'


Isn't it always drizzling in London? Well, the sight of tropical fauna and the stuff of fiestas won't bring the rains to a halt but they would make for nice scenery to contrast the dull weather -- not to mention, give our country's tourism a boost. For six months, the fleet of taxis will be roaming the British capital through a partnership between the Philippines' Dept. of Tourism and Taxi Promotions UK.

The following is on today's PDI front page:

London cabs showcase best of 'WOW Philippines'
First posted 05:54am (Mla time) Oct 09, 2005

By Volt Contreras
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the October 9, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE "WOW Philippines" tourism campaign has found a new vehicle, literally.

Up to 50 taxicabs in London have shed off their familiar all-black coat in favor of an eye-catching design depicting Philippine leisure attractions and cultural icons.

For the next six months, the fleet will cruise the city and double as mobile advertisements for the "Wow" brand name, flashing fiesta colors in the usually drizzly and overcast street scenes of the British capital.

A Department of Foreign Affairs statement on the new tourism campaign would give one an idea of what commuters would see on a normal day in London.

Each taxi sports a wraparound photomontage of a tropical paradise: Diving spots and water sports, sailboats, white sand beaches and an island sunset, golf courses, as well as specific Filipiniana images like the Masskara Festival of Bacolod, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the Banaue Rice Terraces and a Filipino woman in ethnic dress.

You can read more here

lola on the catwalk!


WEEK OF THE ELDERLY
Senior supermodels take to the catwalk


First posted 08:18am (Mla time) Oct 09, 2005
By Blanche S. Rivera
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the October 9, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SIXTY could, indeed, be the new 40 looking at the way women in their golden years strutted their stuff like seasoned fashion models.

Some 40 grandmothers-between 60 and 90 years old-walked the ramp Friday afternoon in an event called "Kimona ni Lola," a fashion show organized by the Philippine United Senior Citizens Association (Pusca) to celebrate Elderly Week.

Full story



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